Microsoft Cracks Down on “Unauthorized” Xbox Controllers
Microsoft has taken measures to block “unauthorized” Xbox controllers and accessories from being used on Xbox consoles. The move was spotted by Resetera posters, who noticed a warning about the block last week. Some third-party Xbox controllers now display a message stating, “connected accessory is not authorized” when connected to an Xbox console.
It is still unclear whether Microsoft’s intention is to target cheat devices or if it is part of an effort to promote its official partner program. An error message has started appearing for certain third-party Xbox controllers, accompanied by a warning that the accessory will be blocked from further use after two weeks.
According to Microsoft’s support note, users who encounter error code 0x82d60002 after connecting an unauthorized accessory will have a two-week grace period before the accessory is blocked from use. Users will then receive error code 0x82d60003. Microsoft advises affected users to contact the store or manufacturer from where they obtained the accessory for assistance with returning it.
Controllers and accessories displaying the “designed for Xbox” logo remain unaffected by the block. However, any third-party controllers that have not been officially authorized by Microsoft are at risk of being blocked from use. This includes third-party cheat devices such as XIM, Cronus Zen, and ReaSnow S1, which may no longer work with Xbox consoles.
These cheat devices are commonly used on PCs to spoof controller inputs, enabling mouse and keyboard users to benefit from aim assist and reduced recoil associated with controllers while enjoying the advantages of mouse and keyboard movement. Activision, Bungie, and Ubisoft have already taken steps to block these hardware spoofing devices in popular games such as Call of Duty, Destiny 2, and Rainbow Six Siege.
The popularity of Cronus devices on consoles may also be affected by Microsoft’s block. Brook Gaming, a company that manufactures an adapter supporting PlayStation controllers on Xbox, has confirmed that its device is impacted. Brook Gaming warns of “functional disruptions” in the near future for several of its products, including a fighting board, controller adapter, and steering wheel adapter.
The implementation of this block by Microsoft could have adverse effects on the fighting game community. Maximilian Dood, the largest fighting game channel on YouTube, expressed concern regarding the impact on local fighting game events that rely on Xbox consoles. Dood emphasizes that the Brook Gaming converters are not cheat devices and are instead integral to the fighting game community.
Most third-party Xbox controllers are wired, as Microsoft typically does not license its Xbox Wireless protocol to other vendors. Earlier this year, PowerA launched the first officially licensed third-party wireless controller for Xbox consoles. The latest ban from Microsoft might be related to the company’s efforts to expand approval for third-party wireless Xbox controllers.
At the time of writing, Microsoft has not provided an official comment on the “unauthorized” Xbox controller block.